Anita Stewart is one of the few professional theater designers in the United States serving in a leadership role at a regional theater. As Artistic Director, Stewart along with Managing Director Martin Lodish, is responsible for keeping Portland Stage’s mission and vision in focus, both onstage and off.
During her tenure at Portland Stage, Stewart has made a commitment to combining the best local talent with exceptional artists from around the country to create productions of the highest quality. Stewart’s passion and commitment for education is evidenced by Portland Stage’s ever expanding K-12 Education and Artistic Development & Dialogue programs. She uses the process of theater to create K-12 age appropriate education programs that support the Common Core Standards and help to create our critical thinkers of the next generation.
As well, Portland Stage’s Artistic Development & Dialogue programs, created under Stewart’s tenure, are specifically designed programs to nurture developing young artists and cultivate the skills of seasoned artists. Stewart remains keenly interested in promoting and cultivating audience involvement in the theatrical process and the artist connection to community programs. As an integral member of the national arts community, Stewart also finds time to participate in granting panels for organizations across the country including: Maine Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Theater Communications Group and Alpert Awards.